Whether you call them tapas, pintxes, or bocadillos, the Spanish have undoubtedly perfected the art of bar bites. From jamón Ibérico with a glass of sangria at happy hour to a hedonistic take on la marcha featuring a dramatic display of octopus over squid ink rice, served in a space-age dreamscape. Houston’s tapas scene delivers fun, flavor, and a little flamenco flair with Michelin-starred Montrose gems to suburban wine bars with serious Rioja game. Because let’s be honest: sharing is just more fun when it involves patatas bravas and a bottle of cava.
Here’s where to start your tapas tour.
La Rambla
Named after Barcelona’s bustling boulevard, La Rambla is Tomball’s take on an Iberian wine bar, delivering cozy, date-night vibes and a menu that blends classic Spanish tapas and American-style bar bites. The cocktail menu features an array of sangria, and this is a rare wine bar that also takes mocktails seriously. Bonus: a charming streetside patio that’s practically made for golden hour. 26400 Kuykendahl Rd. Tomball, larambla.us
Mi Luna
Six years after saying “hasta luego” to Rice Village, Mi Luna revived its signature tapas—Moroccan meatballs, garlic shrimp, pulpo con patatas—with a splashier backdrop and an approachable wine list at the buzzy Montrose Collective. Make your meal even more of an experience by dining to the sound of Spanish guitar during Sunday brunch, or making a reservation for one of the coveted flamenco nights. 888 Westheimer Rd., Houston, milunatapasbar.com
Barcelona Wine Bar
World-class charcuterie and tapas takes center stage at this bustling Montrose import. Flavorful veggie-based options and Catalan classics like pan amb tomate and patatas bravas make the menu welcoming for all, while a killer wine list keeps glasses full. The setting is both lovely and lively; ideal for your next group hang. 1731 Westheimer Rd, Houston, barcelonawinebar.com
MAD
If Gaudí had opened a space-age restaurant in River Oaks, this would be it. MAD dazzles with avant-garde plates like the famous Tomato Parmesan mousse in a shimmering red shell and cochinillo empanadas with mango-apricot chutney. Feeling bold? Try the 12-course tasting menu, or the whole grilled octopus on squid ink rice. El Bulli, eat your heart out. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Houston, madhouston.com
Arturo Boada Cuisine
Tucked in an unassuming Memorial-area strip center, this Spanish-Italian hybrid surprises with bold flavors and refined execution. Saffron-scented seafood paella, creamy crabmeat enchiladas, and garlic-drenched shrimp keep regulars returning to this neighborhood favorite. Sit at the chef’s counter if you want in on the action, or snag a patio table for sangria and people-watching. 6510 Del Monte Dr., Houston, arturoboada.com
Oporto Fooding House & Wine
Midtown’s Oporto is beloved among groups, but also ideal for a stylish date night. The menu leans Portuguese with flirtations from India—think flaky curried chicken empanadas, lamb meatballs laced with pine nuts and mint, and squid-ink fried rice that’s as dramatic as it sounds. Patatas bravas crackle with piri piri heat, while lemon pastéis, and a dense espresso-chocolate torte seal the deal. 125 W. Gray St., Houston, oportomidtown.us
Copa
Copa brings a vibe to a surprisingly ambitious wine-and-tapas game in Vintage Park. With a solid cocktail menu and Latin American-influenced bites—think empanadas, Peruvian ceviche, and Argentinean-style steak skewers—it’s a neighborhood gem worth crossing town for. Nab a table on the patio and settle in for the evening. 110 Vintage Park Blvd., Houston, copalatintapas.com
BCN Taste & Tradition
10 years later, Michelin-starred BCN still stuns with subtle elegance: old-school service mixed with new-world polish. Start with a branzino-laced seafood soup or beet salad ringed with pistachio oil, then dive into Segovian-style suckling pig or grilled lamb chops with clever veggie stacks. A final flourish of molten chocolate cake with cardamom makes for a sweet finish every time. 4210 Roseland St., Houston, bcnhouston.com
El Meson
Spain meets Latin America—often on the same plate—at this Rice Village institution. Order a bottle from the award-winning wine list, then dive into tortilla Española, piquillo peppers stuffed with cod, or smoky Morcilla sausage. The vibe is casual, the flavors big, and the hospitality always warm. 2425 University Blvd., Houston, elmeson.com
Baso
Few restaurants have burst onto Houston’s scene with the sheer energy of this Heights live‑fire kitchen. Rooted in Basque flame-cooking, the menu thrills with Gulf Coast flavors on dishes like Matagorda-grilled oysters and a whole snapper with pil-pil sauce. The ever-changing menu includes the option to “trust the chefs,” which is always a good idea. 633 W. 19th St. #A, Houston, basohtx.com
